Summary: It's too close; he's crumbling, and he can't stop the slide into this disaster.

A/N: Sorry I'm not closing the gaps between these chapters the way I'd hoped. Still- plugging along, and we're very close to the ending now. Only a few more chapters to go now, and thank you to everyone who's been sticking with it. I really appreciate you putting up with how slow I am to update!

As always, gracious thanks go to evil_whimsey for her invaluable insights and assistance. My second set of eyes; I trust them more than my own. Thank you, dear!